Cancer in bones can occur when cancer has spread from another site in the body (referred to as a "metastatic" or "secondary" cancer), or it can originate within the tissue of the bone (a "primary" cancer). Cancer that begins in the bone is called a sarcoma, and it is a relatively rare form of cancer. 
 
Sarcomas come in several different varieties, identified by the specific type of tissue in which their growth begins. For example, cancer that starts in the ends of growing bones is called an "osteosarcoma," whereas cancers that originate in muscle or tendons would be considered "soft tissue sarcomas." Each form of sarcoma has its own distintinctive characteristics, and presents its own set of challenges.

At the Masonic Cancer Clinic at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, our physicians have an exceptional depth of clinical experience because they see a high volume of patients with soft tissue and bone tumors. Our multidisciplinary team applies this expertise to develop a plan of treatment that is customized to the unique needs of each patient. We are constantly improving treatment for patients with musculoskeletal tumors through coordinated advances in laboratory work, clinical research and education. With the goal of achieving optimal outcomes in treating bone and soft tissue tumors, the care team at the Masonic Cancer Clinic is proud to serve as a resource to referring physicians and their patients.
 

• Bone and soft tissue sarcomas
• Metastatic bone cancer

• Childhood and adult cancer treatments
• Limb saving cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Reconstructive surgical techniques
• Surgery with radiation therapy